โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
120
minutes
International โ Domestic
120
minutes
International โ International
180
minutes
Interline Connections
180
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) is a major aviation gateway in Northern Vietnam, serving the industrial port city of Hai Phong and the world-famous Ha Long Bay region. The airport features a modern two-story passenger terminal spanning over 15,600 square meters, designed to international standards. The terminal is organized for high efficiency, with the first floor dedicated to arrivals and baggage retrieval, and the second floor housing 29 check-in counters, security screening, and six boarding gates, two of which are equipped with advanced jet bridges.
Inside the terminal, travelers have access to a variety of essential facilities and amenities. There are multiple cafes and restaurants serving both traditional Vietnamese cuisine and international dishes, as well as a selection of duty-free and retail shops offering local handicrafts and travel goods. The terminal also features comfortable waiting lounges, several ATMs, and currency exchange desks conveniently located in the arrivals hall. The facility is equipped with modern flight information displays and free Wi-Fi throughout, providing a pleasant environment for both business and leisure travelers.
Navigating the terminal is highly intuitive due to its logical layout and clear bilingual signage in Vietnamese and English. Ground transportation is well-supported, with local taxis, airport shuttle buses, and private car services providing direct connections to downtown Hai Phong, located approximately 8 kilometers to the northwest. The airfield boasts a 3,050-meter runway capable of handling large wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350. Its strategic location makes it an increasingly popular alternative to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport for tourists heading to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay.
๐ Connection Tips
For travelers connecting between domestic flights at HPH, allow at least 60-90 minutes. If you are transferring from a domestic flight to an international service (such as to Seoul or Bangkok), ensure you have a minimum of 2.5 to 3 hours to complete passport control and additional security checks. The airport is generally less congested than Hanoi (HAN), making for a more relaxed transfer experience, but still allow extra time during peak holiday periods. The facility maintains flexible scheduling to accommodate weather-related delays common in the region. Ground transportation options include rental vehicles and taxi services, though advance booking is recommended. Seasonal weather patterns significantly impact flight operations, requiring travelers to maintain flexible schedules. The airport's strategic location serves multiple communities across the surrounding region. Emergency services and medical evacuation capabilities are maintained year-round for community safety. Local aviation services include flight training, aircraft maintenance, and specialized charter operations. Weather monitoring systems provide essential data for safe flight operations in challenging conditions. The facility coordinates closely with regional air traffic control for optimal flight routing. Baggage handling procedures are streamlined due to the airport's focused operational scope.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
International โ Domestic
60
minutes
International โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
75
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Da Nang International Airport operates with two adjacent terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international services. Both buildings sit along the same forecourt and share similar two-level layouts, with departures upstairs and arrivals and baggage claim at ground level. A short covered sidewalk links the entrances, and curbside taxi, ride-hail, and shuttle bays serve both terminals.
Walking from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 takes roughly 5โ7 minutes at a casual pace. Inside each terminal, the journey from check-in to the furthest gate is typically 8โ10 minutes, thanks to compact concourses and clear bilingual signage. Airside transfers between terminals are uncommon; most passengers exit one terminal and re-enter the other landside when connecting between domestic and international flights. The layout minimizes level changes, with elevators and escalators positioned beside the central atriums.
Security checkpoints sit just beyond the check-in halls on the departure level of each terminal. Domestic screening queues move quickly outside of holiday peaks, often clearing in 10โ20 minutes, while international lanes can build to 25โ40 minutes before banked departures to Korea, Singapore, and regional hubs. International arrivals pass through immigration on the upper concourse before descending to baggage claim; customs inspection follows immediately with a red/green channel setup. Transit passengers should budget additional time when switching terminals because re-clearing security is required.
Amenities are concentrated near the departure lounges: cafรฉs and noodle shops such as Highlands Coffee and local Vietnamese eateries, convenience outlets, and souvenir stores. Lounges include the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge and several CIP/Orchid-branded lounges in both terminals, offering showers, hot meals, and quiet seating. Free WiโFi and plentiful charging points are available throughout. Accessibility provisions include ramps at curb level, elevators in the central cores, dedicated seating zones, and wheelchair assistance coordinated through airline counters.
Families benefit from baby-changing rooms near most restrooms and family rest areas adjacent to several domestic gates. Stroller-friendly routes avoid stairs, and baggage trolleys are available at both curbside and baggage claim. Play corners occasionally appear near domestic gates during peak seasons, and drinking water fountains sit close to washrooms for easy bottle refills.
๐ Connection Tips
Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is one of the most modern and user-friendly aviation hubs in Vietnam, located just 3 kilometers from the city center and 30 kilometers from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An. The airport features two terminals: Terminal 1 (Domestic) and Terminal 2 (International). These terminals are adjacent and connected by a covered walkway, making transfers between the two a simple 5-to-10-minute walk. If you are connecting from an international flight to a domestic destination, you must clear immigration, collect your luggage, and manually walk to Terminal 1 to re-check your bags. Most facilities, including the CIP Orchid Lounge, operate from early morning until roughly 11:30 PM, aligned with the flight schedule.
For ground transportation, Grab is highly recommended for its fixed, transparent pricing and ease of use. For international arrivals (T2), exit the hall and walk left toward Lane 1 or 2 for pickup. For domestic arrivals (T1), look for Pillar 2-3 in the parking lot area. Official taxis like Mai Linh (green) and Vinasun (white) are also reliable, but ensure the driver uses the meter and be prepared for a small airport exit toll (approx. 10,000โ15,000 VND) added to your fare. If you are traveling directly to Hoi An, pre-booking a private car is often the most comfortable option and costs around $15โ$20 USD. SIM card kiosks and ATMs are readily available in both arrivals halls; look for BIDV or VietinBank for the best international card compatibility. While the airport is efficient, allow extra time during the afternoon peak when multiple international flights from Korea and China often arrive simultaneously, which can lead to longer immigration queues.
โ Back to Cat Bi International Airport